What Is A Clean Driving Record?

By Kevin Quinn and the Mercury Team

Have you ever wondered what counts as a clean driving record? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explain what a driving record is, how to check it, how to improve it, and why it matters for your car insurance.

What Is a Clean Driving Record?

A clean driving record generally means you have no accidents, moving violations, or major infractions like DUIs on file. This includes avoiding tickets for speeding, running red lights, or other offenses that might add points to your license. In other words, it shows you’re a safe, reliable driver.

However, what qualifies as “clean” can vary depending on your state. For example, California tracks points for traffic violations, and too many points within a certain timeframe can lead to license suspension. It also depends on your insurance provider. For instance, some insurers might forgive a minor infraction if enough time has passed, while others could consider any violation a mark on your record.

Why does this matter? Insurance companies, like Mercury, use your driving record to help set your premium. A spotless record tells insurers you’re less likely to file Mercury Insurance claims, which can translate into lower rates for you. The cleaner your driving record, the more you could save on your car insurance.

How Do I Check My Driving Record?

Wondering what’s on your driving record? Since insurance companies use this information to determine your rates, it’s important to ensure your record is accurate.

Here’s how to check your driving record:

Start with your state’s DMV: Most states let you order a copy of your driving record right from their website. You can also request it by mail or in person if you prefer. There’s usually a small fee, anywhere from a couple of dollars to around $25, depending on where you live.
Verify your identity: You’ll need to enter some basic info like your driver’s license number and address.
Choose your record type: Some states offer both certified and non-certified copies.

In addition to the DMV, you might also be able to request your driving record directly through your insurance agent. Some insurers may provide this service free of charge. There are also third-party websites like DMV.org or Checkr that can help you access your record for a fee.

No matter how you check, it’s a smart habit to review your record once a year to catch any errors or outdated infractions that could affect your insurance rates.

“It’s surprising how often drivers find mistakes on their records. Taking a few minutes to check could save you from paying more than you need to,” says Kevin Quinn, VP of Auto Claims at Mercury Insurance

What Shows Up on Your Driving Record?

Your driving record, or Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), is essentially a snapshot of your history behind the wheel. It includes important details like:

Traffic violations
Speeding tickets
DUI/DWI offenses
At-fault accidents
License suspensions or revocations

These entries give insurance companies, like Mercury, a sense of how risky you might be to insure. Drivers with more violations or accidents are considered higher risk, which can lead to higher premiums. On the flip side, a clean driving record can help you qualify for lower rates or Mercury Insurance discounts.

One thing to know is that how long these offenses stay on your record varies by state. For example, in California, most minor violations stay on your record for three years, while more serious offenses like DUIs can remain for up to 10 years. Other states have different timeframes, so it’s worth checking with your local DMV.

How to Get Points Off Your License

If you’ve received points on your driver’s license from speeding tickets or other violations, there are a few reliable ways to reduce them and keep your insurance rates lower with providers like Mercury. Here’s how:

Take a defensive driving course: Many states allow you to remove points by completing a state-approved defensive driving course. For example, the state of New York lets drivers reduce up to four points through its Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP).
Let points expire over time: In most states, minor violations age off your record after a set time, usually two to three years. Always check your local DMV for exact timelines.
Contest the violation in court: If you believe a ticket was issued unfairly, you can challenge it. If the court rules in your favor, no points are added to your license.

Practicing safe habits and using defensive driving techniques can help you avoid future violations and possibly earn insurance discounts for being a low-risk driver.

Conclusion

Having a clean record means you’re a responsible driver. And at the end of the day, the safer you drive, the better the rewards.

At Mercury, we believe good driving should be rewarded. That’s why we offer cheap car insurance and discounts for drivers who keep their records clean. Reach out to a local agent, and we’ll help you find the coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Kevin Quinn

VP, Claims at Mercury Insurance

Kevin Quinn is Vice President of Claims for Mercury Insurance, where he leads auto claims adjusting nationally. Quinn has been with Mercury since 2015 and has been in the industry – starting as a claims adjuster – for more than 20 years. Quinn received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from New York Institute of Technology and also holds a Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law.